Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers for Swimming (2019)

Wouldn’t it be perfect to have a waterproof fitness tracker suitable for any swimming session? And, wouldn’t it be more perfect if you could wear that tracker from the pool to the shower and even after?

Our team of fitness experts have found all the perfections you’re looking for in activity bands and swim trackers.

Whether it’s at the gym, in the pool, or in the great outdoors, a waterproof activity tracker is a great device for monitoring body performance and fitness levels. Today’s market has a wide variety of waterproof trackers, varying in features, styles, shapes, and sizes – from the dedicated swimming tracker to step trackers and triathlon trackers.

Our Editors’ Pick

We’ve compiled a list of the 13 Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers for 2019, after countless days of research and interviewing the experts. At the top of our list is the Polar V800 GPS Sports Watch. This watch earns its keep as our Editors’ pick due to its multi-purpose design, versatile features, and of course, its waterproof rating of up to 30 meters. This is our personal top choice in activity trackers suitable for swimming, but let’s have a look at some of the others.

Buyer’s Guide – What You Need to Look for

Picking a good fitness tracker isn’t necessarily rocket science, but there are a few factors to keep in mind. First of all, it’s all dependent on what you plan to do, when and where you plan to wear it, and of course, what your daily routine consists of.

We at All Things Waterproof are nice enough to give you a little insight into the criteria and thought-process that we used to choose our list of the best swim-friendly trackers. Follow these topics and you won’t be disappointed with your purchase.

Waterproofing

As our name suggests, and always at the top of our priority list, is waterproofing. Fitness trackers featuring an IP-rating of 7 or 8 are ideal because they can withstand most, if not all, water related activities. Although a lower IP-rating may be a cheaper option, you may also find yourself spending money fixing or replacing your device due to water damage.

If you’re not familiar with the IP code ratings, take a look at this page. Never skimp on waterproof features – always spend that extra buck for good waterproofing because exposure to water is not always intentional. Unintentional water exposure can come in many forms, from torrential downpours to incidents at the pool.

Heart Rate Monitor

Naturally, and especially for fitness buffs, choosing an activity tracker that provides heart rate monitoring is ideal. There’s a lot that one’s heart rate can say about one’s health and stress index throughout the day.

For workouts and training, a fitness tracking band with heart monitoring features allows you to gain the most out of your routine or work out and avoids under-training – which leads to delayed results and frustration. Equally, it can prevent over-training and resulting injury such as dehydration, fainting, etc.

Compatibility

What’s the point in buying a fitness tracker that isn’t compatible with your smartphone or computer? It’s virtually useless and serves only for style. So, if you’ve got an Android or iOS device, be sure to pay attention to which trackers are compatible with your devices. Some wrist trackers might be compatible with iOS but not Android, and vice versa.

Sleep Tracking Mode

A solid night rest is equally as important as any workout routine or exercise you have. The body needs rest to repair brain cells, muscles, tissue, and overall health and well-being. Choosing a device that features sleep activity monitoring helps you keep track of exactly what your body is doing while you sleep. You can determine if you’ve had a good night rest or not.

Be mindful of automatic sleep modes as they may only be functional during manufacturer specified times, as compared to manually setting sleep mode. Most trackers have a built-in alarm clock as well that functions as any alarm clock would.

Connectivity

Similar to what we’ve covered in the compatibility section, a fitness tracking band that can support SMS and phone call functions, and even social media can make your exercise, work out, or daily routine more satisfying. While you’re on the treadmill you can respond to important business calls or messages.

If you’re in the pool, some trackers can take remote pictures which you can have uploaded to your social media account(s) almost instantaneously. Even if you’re out on a leisurely walk or a jog, you can stay connected to the virtual world.

Swim Tracking Functions

The ability to track swim functions is definitely a plus in fitness trackers – as seen in the ones we’ve reviewed. For the more professional and dedicated swimmer, it might serve you better to purchase an activity monitor that might have automatic lap counting capabilities – such as the Moov Now, or a feature like real-time personalized audio coaching, or the ability to track swim metrics in general. Even for the casual or “not-so-serious” pool workout, these features can prove quite handy and useful in getting the most out of your swimming sessions.

This advanced, multi-sport GPS watch weighs in as our Editors’ Pick in waterproof trackers. Swimming, biking, running are just the tip of the iceberg of peak performance activities that this advanced training watch can handle. Its waterproof design offer swimming metrics for pool and open-water activities.

Features

The Polar V800 is an ideal choice for the devoted athlete and enthusiast. As a GPS sports watch, the V800 is great for those who are into biking, running or hiking. Speed, distance and route measurements along with its ability to measure running cadence from the wrist make it great for keeping track of outdoor training performance.

Equally, the swim functions of the V800 significantly contribute to its Top Choice title. This activity tracker by Polar can even measure heart rate in water – thanks to its H7 heart rate sensor. Most customer reviews generally reflected that this watch did everything they expected it to do. Like icing on the cake, with an IP rating of 8 and a 3 ATM rating, it can withstand water immersion up to 30 meters.

Of course, in the wonderful world of sporty smartwatches, the latest Apple Watch Series 4 must be mentioned. It’s bigger and better, and it’s lightning fast, no more loading times as in older models. The screen is bigger than before, which was achieved by reducing the bezel. EKG-level heart monitoring makes this watch very appealing for many athletes. The new watch faces are better organized and show more relevant information in a clean way.

Features

Great speakers and microphone with high quality sound. We found both improved a lot since Series 3.

Automatic workout tracking and walki-talky communication between watches are new features that we see very positive.

With built-in GPS, fall detection and water resistance up to 50 meters, the Apple Watch Series 4 helps you stay active and motivated. It’s great for open water workouts, training in the pool, or even splashes with friends and family.

Waterproof? Yes, but beware of how deep and how long you swim.

Light? Definitely, but you must still account for the weight of your tag-along iPhone for many functions, such as adding Apple apps.

Apple Watch 4 proves to be the snazziest smart watch for fitness tracking on the market. It alerts you when someone calls or texts; you can call back and it does support the new raise-to-speak function in WatchOS 5.

The first thing that comes to mind when Garmin Vivosmart HR+ is mentioned is “purpose built.” With its rugged, durable, and of course, waterproof design, Garmin built this band with the active lifestyle in mind.

Features

The 5 ATM rating and Move IQ on this fitness tracker means users are not limited in tracking workout and training activity. Automatic tracking for walking, running, biking, and swimming, along with 24/7 heart rate monitoring activity, make this fitness monitor a Top Choice among the products we’ve reviewed. GPS integration – guaranteeing quick acquiring of satellite signals make it ideal for the outdoor enthusiast – even under heavy tree cover.

Waterfi Swim Tracker

Our Rating:

Recommended Activities: Swimming or training for water sports in general.

The Waterfi Swim Tracker does not try to be anything terrestrial, it aims to provide easy swim tracking, set and forget style. Of course it is swimproof, rated IPX8— submersible as deep as 30 feet indefinitely.

After seven years of applying its ingenuity to waterproof devices galore, including those from Apple and Fitbit, Waterfi presents its own swim tracker.

Features

Attaching to the head strap of swim goggles with the added weight of a handful of paper clips, it records laps, strokes, breath count, burnt calories, interim rest times, average pace and total distance—all with the press of one button.

Compare your progress session by session via memory that stores up to 50 workouts. To view your stats, you simply sync your iPhone, iPod or iPod Touch to the Waterfi app. You need not worry about letting this data cruncher of roughly 1.5 x 1.5 inches slip through wet hands, thanks to its sealed-in silicone finish for grip. Another worry to eliminate? Recharging the battery. It lasts 13 hours before the need to re-juice and never needs replacing.

Garmins Vivoactive HR earns its place as a Top Pick thanks to its rugged, durable and versatile design – common attributes found in Garmin exercise trackers.

Features

One of the top features that really stood out with this watch is it’s ability to measure swimming laps, making it a great fit for pool and open-water use. Quick loading GPS and Elevate wrist heart rate technology, for heart rate monitoring, make this watch popular in the outdoor activities circles. A great buy for anyone interested in running, biking, hiking, skiing, and even golf. Many reviews noted this watch had great battery life as well. What more could you ask for?

The Fitbit Alta has been waterproofed by Waterfi using the long lasting PlatinumX Waterproofing Technology. You can now take it swimming and even diving to 210 feet underwater. Apart from being at your service as a fitness tracker, this wristband also facilitates calls, texts, and notifications straight to your wrist.

Features

This activity bracelet automatically tracks steps, exercise, and sleep quality. While you’re in the pool or shower, or even that ridiculous but satisfying cardio spin class, the FitBit allows you to receive phone calls, SMS messages, and calendar notifications immediately. It syncs with FitBit app for mobile use and FitBit Connect for computers – Mac & PC. It also has a rechargeable battery life of 5 days with interchangeable bands allowing 24/7 use regardless of where you are.

This premium multi-sport watch by Garmin is the perfect tool to monitor your advanced training or all-day activity tracking. Weighing in 15% lighter than its predecessor (910XT), the 920XT is flexible, hinged band featuring a watch mode making it ideal to wear all day everyday.

Features

The activity tracking feature of the Forerunner 920XT measures steps, sleep, and calories burned all day, which is great for every day use. Whether you’re training in the pool or in open water, the 920XT captures swim metrics and cadence, speed and heart rate – when paired with compatible sensors.

Running, swimming, and cycling are a few of the recommended activities associated with this tracker. It should be mentioned that it does not include a built-in heart rate monitor, but is compatible with the standard Garmin HRM or the HRM-Run. This watch has been described as a great personal trainer that can be shut off when you get tired.

The Tom Tom Spark combines a GPS sports watch with a bluetooth music player. Cool, huh? Well, you can wirelessly connect and train with over 500 songs. The Spark is a 24/7 fitness tracker that is guaranteed to keep you motivated.

Features

Great for running, biking, gym, swimming, and treadmill, the Spark features a long lasting battery and measures time, distance, pace, speed, calories burned, and sleep quality. GPS tracking is up to 11 hours, and 5 hours with music.

Ability to cast its fitness-video tutorials to larger screens on Samsung devices

Waterproof in depths up to 50m

Nifty interfaces with Samsung devices.

Cons:

Weaker battery life than comparably priced smartwatches

Sleep and calorie trackers not always dependable

No cellular connectivity.

With the ambiguity of a mermaid, the Samsung Gear Smartwatch brings versatility and some innovation to waterproof fitness gadgets.

Ultimately, one must ask, “Is it a fish or a human?”

It is hard to discern whether Samsung designed a fitness tracker or a smart remote device. It has parts of both, but perhaps at a peril. For instance, unlike most of its competition, the Gear Sport tracks your calorie count from the watch itself.

It is built to issue a signal when you need to cut your intake or add to it, dependent on your established goal. This sometimes keeps accurate count and sometimes doesn’t.

Even its sleep tracking is a bit quirky. Meanwhile, its smartwatch capacities shine. You can save Spotify Premium playlists on its 4GB of memory or with Samsung Pay (sans magnetic swipe payment). Just stream the music through Bluetooth headphones or Samsung IconX earbuds.

It serves as a remote for gadgets linked to a SmartThings hub at home and can even flip through pages of your PC’s Powerpoint documents or maneuver the cursor (via Bluetooth), thanks to its innovative rotating bezel and touch screen.

The words that come to mind with the Fitbit Flex 2 are; slim, flexible, comfortable, and customizable. Its removable tracker fits perfectly in bands, bangles, and pendants for the more fashionable users. The included lightweight and slim band make it easy to wear and quite convenient during training, workouts, and activities.

Features

With the Fitbit app, users can track swimming automatically, and it’s said to be perfect for bubble baths to ocean swims. Interchangeable accessories such as; a wristband, bangle, and pendant allow you to hit goals and gain compliments all the same. All-day activity tracking tracks your steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, hourly activity, and stationary time, and SmartTrack automatically tracks activities like running, sports, and aerobics sessions.

The Polar A360 is the first of it’s kind, to have both a wrist based heart rate monitor and Polar personalized training guidance. It also provides 24/7 tracking and smart watch features making it ideal for everyday use.

Features

The Polar A360 allows you to start fresh everyday – tracking sleep quality, activity tracking 24/7, steps, distance, and calories. A color touchscreen and changeable color wristbands means tech inside and style outside. The Polar A360, with its built-in heart monitor, is a great workout tool whether it’s used for running, walking, hiking, or even swimming.

Moov Now talks you through your workouts with real-time audio for running, cycling, cardio, gym, and even boxing. It also has advanced swim tracking capabilities available.

Features

Moov Now features a lightweight and breathable band that can be worn on either your wrist or ankle. It helps you get the best out of your workout, tracks progress, and is guaranteed to motivate and help you achieve your fitness goals. The app features automatic stroke style recognition along with lap grouping – making it ideal for pool sessions.

Care Tips for Your Tracking Device

Like anything else in this world, taking good care of your fitness monitor can mean the difference between its functional use for years to come, or having to replace it within a few weeks of purchase.

We’re here to offer you a few basic tips in caring for your activity tracking device that will guarantee its service for years to come.

Rinse After Use

Always rinse your fitness tracker after exposure to water, especially saltwater. Although the device may be waterproof, storing it while it’s wet or in moisture can lead to potentially destructive results. Saltwater naturally leads to corrosion, so rinsing your tracker with fresh water and towel drying after use is always a great idea.

Avoid Heat Exposure

Avoid exposure to heat for extended periods of time. Like most electronic or battery operated devices, extended exposure to heat can lead to the breakdown or degradation of your tracking device’s components. Screens and displays can also suffer damage due to long periods of extreme temperature exposure.

Handle With Care

OLED and LCD screens can get damaged relatively easily. We understand that mistakes can happen, but avoid dropping your fitness monitor – especially on its face or display. Follow the instruction manuals and manufacturer recommendations to increase the life expectancy of your device. Not all devices, although waterproof, are necessarily approved for diving. Where most can be used for swimming, showering, and other light water exposure, not all are approved for deep water submersion. Again, this is where it’s important to check the IP-rating of your device.

General Maintenance

For non-water activities such as; workouts, exercise, cycling, jogging, etc. it’s imperative you clean and maintain the general upkeep of your tracker. Rubber straps, especially, collect dirt easily, so a general cleaning with a damp cloth is not a bad idea after a rigorous work out session. Remove any dirt, dust, or foreign debris in a timely manner before it becomes stuck to your device.

Conclusion

Whatever the motive is behind investing in a waterproof fitness tracker; whether it’s for workouts, exercise, outdoor activities, or just daily life in general, choosing the best in activity monitors will provide accurate, real-time data on exactly what your body is doing.

We’ve conducted extensive research, follow our Buyer’s Guide and care tips and we guarantee you will be satisfied and fulfilled with your purchase.

Luckily, the majority of activity trackers the market has to offer are affordable, stylish, and multi-functional – so, you can gain the most out of your wristband and maintain a certain image without breaking the bank.

These devices don’t necessarily have to be limited to land use only, but many – as seen in our review, can prove to be quite useful in the water.

Maintaining good health is important, monitoring your daily stress levels, and keeping track of your sleep patterns are all imperative.

Choosing a good waterproof tracker will guarantee each of these aspects of your life and health are thoroughly covered – from sleep to swimming to the bike or trail.

Want to listen to your favorite music while swimming laps in the pool?

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